Off to greener pastures: Sony Norde and Sukhrob Nurullaev (below) have left Kedah since the financial crisis surfaced.
Owner Daud pleads for help from all in state to provide lifeline for Canaries
PETALING JAYA: Kedah’s dire financial situation has led their owner to seek help for the club to compete this season.
Tan Sri Dr Daud Bakar made an emotional plea on the club’s social media account, asking those in the state, especially those who have committed to help the club, without naming any, to provide funds for the club.
“To the children of Kedah, do something for your club and team. Hoping for something and doing something are two different things. To those who have committed to help Kedah, fulfil your responsibilities, promises, and commitments,” said Daud.
“For my part, I will continue to seek funds to settle what is overdue to those who have served and are still able to play despite the shortcomings.
“I will not shy away from my responsibilities.”
Daud welcomed any form of cooperation, funding, and support that could help them continue to fight for the pride of Kedah football.
Kedah have been in the headlines for the wrong reasons, with players being owed months of wages, with the wife of a former player revealing that he is owed nine months’ salary.
Many have asked for the club to be dissolved during the current crisis, but Daud is resolute in ensuring the club’s continued participation in the Super League.
“There is pressure from certain parties suggesting that Kedah should be dissolved due to unresolved financial issues. In simple terms, dissolve the company and terminate contracts with more than 100 players and officials,” he said.
“Everyone has their reasons, arguments, perspectives, perceptions, and narratives. Each party has its views and stands, and this should be respected without pointing fingers at anyone.
“However, only a few have strongly asserted that Kedah must continue its fight until the end of the 2024-2025 season, even though the situation is very challenging.
“I have been advised and asked to dissolve Kedah since January 2024. However, I choose to ‘try’ to continue the fight for the club because they are a legacy for all as the people of Kedah Darul Aman.”
Daud went on to say that he is committed and will use all available abilities and resources as the majority shareholder to ensure the club’s continued survival, albeit with many challenges.
“It’s possible that other shareholders may not be able to contribute to the club. I have no choice but to try to raise as much funding as possible, but it will certainly not be enough.”
Since the financial crisis surfaced, several key men such as Sony Norde, Habib Haroon, Clayton Santos, Sukhrob Nurullaev and Irfan Zakaria have left the club. Coach Nafuzi Zain has also moved on to the National Under-23 team.
“In all the crises faced by Kedah, the heroes and backbone of the team are the players, officials, and staff. They still go out to play and fight with full dedication, even though their salaries are delayed, the stadium is empty, and media reports rarely provide positive coverage,” said Daud.
“Some fans only want to come to the stadium in large numbers if the team perform well and achieves victories. Regardless, the players continue to play because this is their commitment.
“Honestly, Kedah only rely on contributions from a single shareholder who constantly works hard to seek a little income to share for the basic weekly and monthly expenses
